CSMCE | Profiles

Laura Janssen

Noyce Teaching Fellow, Master of Arts with an Emphasis in Mathematics Teaching

Middle School Mathematics TeacherSouth Sioux City Community Schools

Laura Janssen was on track to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics. While she loved learning higher-level mathematics, she found herself feeling “unfulfilled,” she said.

While she knew she wanted to be a teacher, Janssen did not want to give up on her Ph.D. program to earn another bachelor’s degree. However, the MAmt program solved that problem for her.

“Because of the MAmt program I was able to earn a dual master’s degree in just two years. Plus, the courses were tailored for secondary math teachers and taught by experts in the field,” Janssen said. “Although I plan to be a life-long learner of mathematics, I have found my true passion in fostering an enthusiasm for math in my students.”

Janssen, who graduated from UNL with a degree in mathematics, currently teaches at South Sioux City Middle School in South Sioux City, Neb.

“I love working with middle school students because they haven’t decided whether they’re good at math, and I get to be a part of helping them see their potential,” she said.

Janssen said she tries to do as many hands-on activities as she can with the middle school students.

“One day I brought all of my pots and pans in so we could find the ratios of their circumference and diameter – spoiler alert: it’s pi!” Janssen said. “I’ve found that giving my students a mathematical experience is much more worthwhile than practicing the same procedure over and over.”